Device for positioning the turns formed by a coiled flexible elongated member stored in a rotatable annular basket of vertical axis

ABSTRACT

Device for positioning the turns formed by a coiled flexible elongated member stored in a rotatable annular basket of vertical axis and having two coaxial vertical frames disposed around the axis, said device comprising cylindrical walls coaxially placed between said frames each of said frames and wall being constituted by a stationary sector and a movable sector which is complementary to the stationary sector and articulated at one end of the later, eash said moveable sector having three positions allowing the winding of the elongated member substantially along the profile of a spiral.

United States Patent [191 Reynard et al.

[ June 18, 1974 DEVICE FOR POSITIONING THE TURNS FORMED BY A COILED FLEXIBLE ELONGATED MEMBER STORED IN A ROTATABLE ANNULAR BASKIETOE VERTICAL Axis Inventors: Remi Reynard, Montesson; Pierre Grolet, Orgerus, both of France Institut Francais Du Petrole, Des Carburants Et Lubrifiants, Rueil-Malmaison, France Filed: Aug. 25, 1972 Appl. No.: 283,670

Assignee:

Foreign Application Priority Data Aug. 27, 1971 France 7l.3l273 US. Cl. 242/54, 242/83 Int. Cl...- B65h 54/80, B65h 75/00, E21b 17/00 Field of Search 242/77.1, 83, 55, 55.01,

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 9/1963 Lemieux 242/77.l

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 555,448 l/l957 Italy 242/55 Primary Examiner-John W. Huckert Assistant Examiner-John M. Jillions Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Craig and Antonelli ABSTRACT 6 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJuu 1a 1914 same. or 5 W ""ifijav DEVICE FOR POSITIONING THE TURNS FORMED BY A COILED FLEXIBLE ELONGA'I'ED MEMBER STORED IN A ROTATABLE ANN ULAR BASKET OF VERTICAL AXIS V g 7 The present invention relates to a device for automatically positioning the turns formed by a coiled elongated flexible member stored in a rotatable annular basket with a vertical axis.

In the following description reference will more particularly be made to the storage of a flexible drill pipe in an annular basket rotatably mounted about a vertical axis.

At the present time, the drilling techniques using a drill column of flexible pipe with a motor suspended at the lower end driving in rotation a drill tool, are of particular interest since these techniques are easy to carry out. i

The flexible drill pipe must be stored in devices which are specially designed, for example in order to facilitate the transportation of the pipe, but which are also used in the course of the drilling operations, particularly when raising the drill pipe.

For this purpose spoolswith horizontal axes have been of course used, the flexible pipes being wound around the drums of these spools.

This solution has proved practical for conveying portions of a flexible pipe. During the drilling operations, when the drill pipe is raised, it is necessary to use drums or winches having a high storage capacity, i.e drums of considerable size, which are thus cumbersome, difficult to operate and to displace from one drilling place to another.

At the place where drilling is performed, it is preferred to use a basket of annular shape, rotatably mounted about its vertical axis, which is more easily operated.

The problem to be solved is. however that of accurately positioning in the storage basket the turns formed by the coiled flexible pipe so as to prevent that these turns overlap each other or slide on each other, which would lead to a rapid wear of the flexible pipe, and to obtain a maximum capacity of the storage basket.

Until now no device for automatically positioning turns in annular storage baskets has been built.

The main object of the present invention is accordingly to provide a device for automatically positioning the turns formed by a coiled flexible elongated member stored in an annular basket rotatably mounted about a vertical axis, this basket being constituted by vertically arranged inner frame, an outer frame coaxial to the inner frame, said inner and outer frames defining between each other an annular space closed by a base plate at its lower part and open at its upper part so as to allow introduction of the elongated member threinto, the radial distance between said two frames being greater than the greatest size of the cross section of the elongated member. This device includes at least one cylindrical wall coaxially mounted between said inner and outer frames and defining at least two concentrical annular spaces each having a radial width slightly greater than the greatest size of the cross section of the elongated member, each of said frames and wall being constituted by a stationary sector and by a moveable sector complementary to said stationary sector and articulated at one end of the latter, each of the so-constituted moveable sectors having a first position wherein the moveable sector connects said stationary sector, at the end of which it is articulated to the stationary sector of the wall or frame of greater diameter which is the closest thereto, a second position wherein said moveable sector ensures the continuity of said stationary sector at the end of which it is articulated and a third position, wherein said moveable sector provides for the connection of said stationary sector at the end of which it is articulated to the stationary sector of the wall or frame of smaller diameter which is the closest thereto.

The invention will be well understood and other advantages thereof will be made apparent from the description of a particular, but non limitative embodiment illustrated by the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 diagrammatically illustrates a drilling rig making use of a flexible drill pipe,

FIG. 2 diagrammatically illustrates a storing basket for a flexible drill pipe, including a device for positioning the turns formed by the coiled flexible pipe,

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 illustrate the operation of the device according to the invention,

FIG. 6 shows the position of a rigid pipe coupling in the storage basket during the operation of winding the flexible pipe,

FIG. 7'illustrates an embodiment of the moveable sector of guiding members, and

FIGS. 8 and 9 show ways of operating the moveable sectors.

FIG. 1 diagrammatically illustrates a drill rig for carrying out the drilling technique using a flexible pipe as a drill string.

The drill rig comprises a derrick 1, located above the drilled well and one or more traction device(s) 3 for handling the pipe 4.

These traction devices forming no part of the invention need not to be described in detail. They may be constituted for example, by endless chain traction devices. At the top or at an intermediary level of the derrick, the flexible pipe 4 passes over a pulley 5 or over any other direction reversing means.

In the vicinity of the derrick l is located an annular basket 6 for storing the flexible pipe, this basket being rotatably mounted about its vertical axis. The flexible pipe 4, which may be guided and pulled by any suitable device 7, enters the storage basket, in which it is reeled at the upper part thereof.

The rotation of the storage basket is synchronized with the operation of the traction device or devices 3 and of the pulling device 7 by any suitable known means (not illustrated).

FIG. 2 diagrammatically illustrates a storage basket equipped with a device for positioning the turns of the pipe. and FIG. 3 is a view from above of the basket of FIG. 2, diagrammatically illustrating the way of operation of the device.

The storage basket, designated as a whole by reference 6, includes a vertically mounted inner cylindrical frame 7 and an outer cylindrical frame 8 coaxial to the frame 7. The radial distance between the frames is greater than the diameter of the flexible pipe and the radius of the inner frame is at least equal to the minimum radius of curvature of the stored flexible pipe. The two frames define between each other a space which is closed at its lower end by an annular platform 9 and open at its upper part so as to provide a passage for the flexible pipe.

The above described storage basket is rotated about its vertical axis through any known means which is not illustrated in the drawing.

The storage basket 6 is also provided with a not illustrated rotary hydraulic coupling, for the supply of the flexible pipe with hydraulic drilling fluid during the rotation of the storage basket.

In order to provide for an accurate positioning of the turns which are formed by the coiled flexible pipe 4 in the storage basket, there is located between the inner and and outer frames 7 and 8 a plurality of cylindrical walls to 16 concentrical to the frames 7 and 8 and having the same height as the latter. These walls are carried by the annular base plate 9.

Each wall defines with the frame or wall which is the closest an annular space which is closed at its lower part by the base plate 9 and open at its upper part so as to allow the introduction of the flexible pipe into this space which has a width slightly greater than the maximum outer diameter of the flexible pipe, so as to allow the storage of the rigid coupling elements between the portions of the flexible pipe 4.

In order to build a storage basket which is as light as possible, the frames and walls are preferably constituted by regularly spaced vertical rods.

At their upper parts, the frames and walls are provided, substantially at the same level, with continuous guiding members of annular shape. These guiding members, which are arranged concentrically, are indicated by references 7a, 8a and 10a to 160. Each guiding member is constituted by a stationary sector and by a moveable sector (7b, 8b and 10b to 16b) which is complementary to the stationary sector.

The moveable sectors are extensions of the corresponding stationary sectors and are articulated at one end about vertical axes l7, l8, 19 to 25 respectively, carried by the base plate 9 and located substantially along a radius of said base plate.

In a first position, illustrated by FIG. 4 which is a diagrammatical partial top view of the annular basket shown in FIG. 2, each moveable sector, such as 7b, provides for the connection of the guiding member, such as 70, at the end of which it is articulated, with the guiding member, such as 1011, of greater diameter which is immediately adjacent, so as to provide for a communication between adjacent passageways for the flexible pipe.

In a second position, illustrated in FIG. 3, each moveable sector provides for the continuity of the guiding member at the end of which it is articulated, so as to well separate the different passageways for the pipe.

In a third position, illustrated in FIG. 5, each moveable sector, such as 10b, provides for the connection of the guiding member 100 at the end of which it is articulated, to the guiding member of smaller diameter, such as 7a, which is immediately adjacent, so as to bring in communication. the adjacent passageways for the pipe.

The operations for winding the flexible pipe in the storage basket are as follows:

The moveable sectors 7b, 8b, 10b to 16b are in their first position illustrated by FIG. 4.

One end B of the pipe 4 is fixed in the basket, for example in the passageway of smallest diameter, at the level of the moveable ends of the sectors 7b and 10b.

The basket is driven in rotation in the direction indicated by the arrow R in FIG. 3.

The flexible pipe 4 is guided by the guiding members 7a and on which the pipe bears and is laid down into the bottom of the first passageway.

When the annular basket has substantially made a complete revolution, the pipe 4 is guided by the moveable sectors 7b and 10b and is slightly deformed so as to penetrate into the adjacent passageway defined by the walls 10a and 110. By further rotating the basket 6 there is obtained a winding of the pipe substantially along the profile of a spiral, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 4.

When the annular basket has made (n-l) rotations, n being the number of passageways, the pipe is laid into the passageway of greatest diameter which, in the embodiment illustrated by the drawings is limited by the outer frame 8 and the wall 16. (FIG. 2). v

The moveable walls are then positioned in their second position illustrated in FIG. 3. The n" turn of the pipe is laid into the passageway of greatest diameter, thus terminating the first pipe layer wound in the annular basket.

During the following rotation, the moveable sectors being, as above-indicated, in their second position, the pipe is wound, so as to form a second layer, on the first convolution formed in the passageway of greatest diameter. Before the end of the formation of this new turn the moveable sectors 7b, 8b, l0b to 1612 are placed into their third position illustrated in FIG. 5. The rotation of the annular basket is continued and the pipe 4 is laid down, forminga second layer of turns, diagrammatically indicated by the arrows in FIG. 5 which shows the passage of the pipe from one passageway to an adjacent passageway of smaller diameter.

In this way the pipe 4 is wound according to a spiral, forming layers which are regularly laid on one another.

Of course the moveable sectors have been chosen of sufficient length so that, during the passage of the pipe from a passageway to an adjacent passageway, the deformations of the pipe occur along paths whose radius of curvature is at every instant at least equal to, and preferably greater than, the minimum radius of curvature of the flexible pipe.

As indicated above, the width of each passageway (distance between consecutive walls) must be sufficient to permit the passage of a rigid coupling element connecting the successive parts of the flexible pipe 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates a rigid coupling 26 of outer diameter (1 and of a length 2 L located in a passageway whose external wall 27 has a radius R. The distance a between the wall 27 and the internal wall 28 which limits a passageway is so selected that:

FIG. 7 is a developed view diagrammatically showing a guiding member including a stationary sector 29 and a moveable sector 30.

The stationary sector is supported by vertical rods such as 31, integral with the annular plate 9. The moveable sector 30 is at one end integral with a vertical shaft 32, rotatably mounted on diagrammatically illustrated bearings 33.

The shaft 32 passes through the base plate 9 and is provided, at its lower end, located under the base plate 9, with a control handle 34 to which is secured a guiding element such as a roller 35.

By acting, through any suitable means, on the roller 35 it is possible to rotate the shaft 32 and displace the moveable sector 30.

The control may be achieved either automatically or manually.

FIG. 8 shows diagrammatically a perspective view of a device for automatically controlling the different moveable sectors 7b, b, etc carried by the spindles 36, 37, 38

The control handles 39, 40, 41 integral with the spindles 36, 37, 38 are interconnected through a rod 42 whereon they are articulated. The rod 42 has a feeler 43 which cooperates with a groove 44 constituting a cam provided on a plate 45 which is carried by the annular basket and is driven in rotation through any known means, such as a motor.

The rotational speed of the plate 45 is controlled as a function of that of the storage basket, with a certain ratio between the respective speeds depending on the numbers of passageways in the basket.

By following the guiding groove 44, the feeler 43 controls the actuation of the moveable sectors, placing these sectors in their above-defined second position when the feeler is on the part CD or on the part GH and in their third position when the feeler is on the part EF of the groove 44.

FIG. 9 diagrammatically illustrates another device permitting to achieve automatically or manually the actuation of the moveable sectors.

In this figure, the rod 42 carries a roller 46 which cooperates with a slideway 47 having a fixed position with respect to the storage basket. This slideway may rotate about a fixed axis 48 under the action of a jack 49 which is controlled automatically or manually as a function of the rotation of the storage basket.

What we claim is:

l. A device for automatically positioning the turns formed by a coiled flexible elongated member stored in an annular basket rotatably mounted about a vertical axis, this basket being constituted by vertically arranged inner frame, an outer frame coaxial to the inner frame, said inner and outer frames defining between each other an annular space closed by a base plate at its lower part and open at its upper part so as to allow introduction of the elongated member thereinto, the

radial distance between said two frames being greater than the greatest size of the cross section of the elongated member, this device including at least one cylindrical wall coaxially mounted between said inner and outer frames and defining at least two concentrical annular spaces each having a radial width slightly greater than the greatest size of the cross section of the elongated member, each of said frames and wall being constituted by a stationary sector and by a moveable sector which is complementary to said stationary sector and articulated at one end of the later, each of the soconstituted moveable sectors having a first position wherein the moveable sector connects said stationary sector at the end of which it is articulated and the stationary sector of the wall or frame of greater diameter which is the closest thereto, a second position wherein said moveable sector provides for the continuity of said stationary sector at the end of which it is articulated and a third position, wherein said moveable sector provides for the connection between said stationary sector at the end of which it is articulated and the stationary sector of the wall or frame of smaller diameter which is the closest thereto.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said frames and wall comprise vertical rods integral with said base plate carrying substantially at the same level a guiding member constituted by one of a stationary sector and a moveable sector which are complementary.

3. A device according to claim 2, wherein said moveable sectors are articulated about said vertical rods integral with said base plate.

4. A device according to claim 3, comprising means for actuating said moveable sectors so as to place them successively in one of the said positions.

5. A device according to claim 4, wherein saidactuating means comprise first means for moving said movable sectors and second means for controlling the operation of said first means in response to the rotation of said storage basket.

6. A device according to claim 5, wherein said first means are constituted by handles fast in rotation with said moveable sectors and by an actuation rod whereon are articulated said handles wherein said second means is constituted by a cam cooperating with said actuation rod for placing said moveable sectors in one of said positions thereof, in response to the rotation of said storage basket. 

1. A device for automatically positioning the turns formed by a coiled flexible elongated member stored in an annular basket rotatably mounted about a vertical axis, this basket being constituted by vertically arranged inner frame, an outer frame coaxial to the inner frame, said inner and outer frames defining between each other an annular space closed by a base plate at its lower part and open at its upper part so as to allow introduction of the elongated member thereinto, the radial distance between said two frames being greater than the greatest size of the cross section of the elongated member, this device including at least one cylindrical wall coaxially mounted between said inner and outer frames and defining at least two concentrical annular spaces each having a radial width slightly greater than the greatest size of the cross section of the elongated member, each of said frames and wall being constituted by a stationary sector and by a moveable sector which is complementary to said stationary sector and articulated at one end of the later, each of the so-constituted moveable sectors having a first position wherein the moveable sector connects said stationary sector at the end of which it is articulated and the stationary sector of the wall or frame of greater diameter which is the closest thereto, a second position wherein said moveable sector provides for the continuity of said stationary sector at the end of which it is articulated and a third position, wherein said moveable sector provides for the connection between said stationary sector at the end of which it is articulated and the stationary sector of the wall or frame of smaller diameter which is the closest thereto.
 2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said frames and wall comprise vertical rods integral with said base plate carrying substantially at the same level a guiding member constituted by one of a stationary sector and a moveable sector which are complementary.
 3. A device according to claim 2, wherein said moveable sectors are articulated about said vertical rods integral with said base plate.
 4. A device according to claim 3, comprising means for actuating said moveable sectors so as to place them successively in one of the said positions.
 5. A device according to claim 4, wherein said actuating means comprise first means for moving said movable sectors and second means for controlling the operation of said first means in response to the rotation of said storage basket.
 6. A device according to claim 5, wherein said first means are constituted by handles fast in rotation with said moveable sectors and by an actuation rod whereon are articulated said handles wherein said second means is constituted by a cam cooperating with said actuation rod for placing said moveable sectors in one of said positions thereof, in response to the rotation of said storage basket. 